The AGS-M Format for the electronic transfer of monitoring data

• Introduction
• Why do we need the AGS-M Format
• Background

Introduction

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) AGS-M Format is an add-on module to the 3rd Edition of the AGS Format for the Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data. The AGS-M module provides a standard format for the transfer of monitoring data between a data Provider and a data Receiver. Geotechnical, structural and geochemical data are specifically catered for, but the Format is flexible and extensible and other types of monitoring data may be transferred. The AGS-M module may be used on its own, or in combination with the 3rd Edition of the AGS Format. Software that is fully compliant with the 3rd Edition of the AGS Format can handle AGS-M Format monitoring data without modification.

Why do we need the AGS-M Format?

A similar question was asked of the AGS Format for the Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical Data from Site Investigations when it first appeared in 1992. Few practitioners today question the usefulness and validity of the Format after having benefited from the enormous savings (in time and resources) that its implementation has brought.

The amount of time and resourcing potentially required to carry out a successful programme of instrumentation installation and monitoring however, can be an order of magnitude greater than that required for site investigation. The increasing use of brownfield sites for construction, sometimes very close to existing buildings and infrastructure, will also lead to the greater use of monitoring equipment to ensure their safety. Additionally, instruments themselves are being continuously improved with the increasing use of automatically logged, real-time instruments, that again increase the amount of data produced.

The aim of the AGS-M module is to facilitate the handling of this data, enabling easy transfer of information between individuals, without imposing a particular process or piece of software on any party. It therefore helps the reporting process between client and contractor, and as the module can be incorporated in the software (or hardware) of electronic instruments themselves, it can also help a user's internal processes by removing the need for the additional translation of data-logged readings. This monitoring module is based on the 3rd Edition of the AGS Format and is fully compatible with it. As such it is a tried and tested format and commercially available software already exists that will easily manage AGS-M files.

This document explains the structure of the module and goes into some technical detail. It is envisaged that most users will import and export data files using the commercial programs available and will not need to understand the intricacies of the file structure. This document will still be an invaluable reference tool as it contains dictionaries of instrument abbreviations and has a comprehensive set of guideline notes and examples in the Appendices.

In the ten years it has been in existence, the AGS Format for the Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data has revolutionised the handling of SI data. If you are familiar with using this then you are already qualified to use AGS-M. Even if you are not, evidence shows that the little time and expense required to obtain the ability to use this format will prove immensely beneficial.

Background

This report contains a paper copy of the AGS-M Format developed during CIRIA research project 631 Towards integrated design and construction in ground engineering: demonstrating and establishing a monitoring data transfer protocol. The project built on the existing GEMINI format developed by Andy Withers, Mike Black and Steve Pontin of London Underground Limited and CIRIA which was used to handle the data obtained from the geotechnical monitoring instrumentation during construction of the Jubilee Line Extension in London in the late 1990s.

The GEMINI format was modified by the research team to produce an AGS compatible 'monitoring module' which was then trialled using real monitoring data. A revised version of the AGS-M Format was produced following the trials. An electronic copy of this report is available for download from the AGS web site at www.ags.org.uk. Example data files for specific types of geotechnical, structural and geochemical monitoring instruments are also available for download on the AGS web site. Any feedback or questions relevant to the AGS-M Format should be raised on the discussion board on the AGS web site.